There are hikes that you don’t simply go on – you experience them. A beautiful day in the mountains gives you more than just the satisfaction of having accomplished something; it also brings a wonderful sense of lightness and a deep connection with nature. With every step, you leave everyday life a little further behind.
The hike to the Lyfialm in the Martell Valley is exactly the kind of experience I have in mind.
Here, breathtaking mountain scenery, peaceful forest trails, warm hospitality, excellent cuisine and an authentic alpine hut atmosphere come together. A special combination that you don’t just see – above all, you feel it.
Even the drive from Hotel Das Paradies into the Martell Valley is a wonderful experience in itself. The road winds its way steadily upwards into the impressive mountain landscape. Passing through the village of Martell, you continue into the upper Martell Valley, where the scenery becomes more breathtaking with every kilometre.
A particular highlight is the Zufritt Reservoir, which stretches impressively between the surrounding mountains. The lake is the perfect place for a short stop, where you can take your time to enjoy the spectacular views.
The journey continues past the Martell Biathlon Centre and then climbs higher and higher until the road leads through a dense mountain forest and you reach the terminus at the Enzianalm. There is also a large car park here (for a fee) – the perfect starting point for our hike to the Lyfialm. The upper Martell Valley can also be easily reached by public bus. With the Vinschgau Card, the journey is free of charge.
From there, the hike begins at a leisurely pace along a forest road (the route is also easy to manage with children, even with a Thule trailer, all-terrain stroller or child carrier).
After just a few steps, you find yourself surrounded by the characteristic landscape of the Martell Valley. The wide path leads through the forest, passing larch and spruce trees. Every now and then, the trees open up to reveal views of the surrounding mountains. With every metre of elevation gained, the panorama becomes even more beautiful. After around 45 minutes of leisurely walking, you finally reach the Lyfialm.
The feeling of finally reaching your destination is one of the most beautiful moments of any hike.
At the end of the trail, you’ll find two small animal enclosures right next to the Lyfialm. Here, you can see pigs, cows and goats – a particularly lovely experience for children. Continuing past the fence, you arrive at the main alpine hut. A friendly dog lives here, and at the moment, there are even some adorable kittens.
The hut also has a small playground, making the stay even more enjoyable for families.
The alpine hut itself has been lovingly designed and has a wonderfully idyllic atmosphere. Find a lovely table, take a seat and enjoy the stunning views.
And, of course, there’s something delicious to eat and a refreshing drink to enjoy. An absolute must is the Kaiserschmarrn: at the Lyfialm, it tastes even better surrounded by the mountains – light and fluffy, freshly prepared and simply delicious.
At the Lyfialm, hospitality is a top priority. The service is warm and attentive, and the food is excellent. It’s a place where you immediately feel at home and can truly make the most of every moment.
After a relaxing break at the Lyfialm, you head back down into the valley along the same route. This turns the hike into a truly wonderful day in the Martell Valley – with beautiful mountain scenery, delicious food and an authentic alpine hut experience.
Miriam